I hope you said you. Unfortunately many of us choose a minor role in our own prime time blockbuster hit...our own life. Have you ever squashed a dream because you worry about what other people might think?Have you ever settled for the status quo because you didn't want to stir the pot?Or because you fear failure and don't want to hear "I told you so"?If you have, you are not alone. Traveling the safe path, the known path is so much easier. It involves less risk. A role for everyone and everyone in their role. But what if you feel a pull to do something different, something not scripted? Something that goes against the grain of what “everyone” expects?Imagine your life as a movie. See yourself up on the big screen. What type of movie is it? An action movie? Drama, comedy, tragedy, romance, fantasy or horror?Who, besides yourself is in this movie? These people are your cast of characters.Our cast of characters consists of all the people in our life. A few, like family members, are with us for the long haul. Others appear for a short time, play an important role, and leave. Of course there are many “extras’ too, the background folks. Characters weave in and out of our life all the time, teaching us lessons.Sometimes, however, we let our cast of characters direct, produce and write our life script. We take a backseat, even if it makes us miserable. We plaster a smile on our face and tell ourselves this is just how life is, suck it up. Don’t make waves. We don’t want to disappoint anyone.After all:What will everybody say if I quit my six figure corporate job and open a sandwich shop??How can I be a nurse when everyone wants me to be a doctor?I invested so much time and money, blood, sweat and tears to get my law degree, how can I not become a lawyer, what will people say?I can’t cancel my engagement now, the invitations have already gone out. I’m sure everything will be okay if I just go through with the wedding. I don’t want to disappoint anyone.Thoughts like these drive our behavior.Who are these people we are so worried about? Who is "everybody"? Surely we don’t really mean EVERYBODY. According to Dr. Martha Beck, “our everybody” usually boils down to only 3 to 6 people. That’s a far cry from EVERYBODY. Stop and think about that for a moment. We make decisions about our life, possibly big decisions based on fear of the judgment of 3 to 6 people. Think about your cast of characters for a moment. Who among them influence you the most? Whose approval do you crave?When we try to meet the expectations of others - parents and teachers for example, we may lose ourselves and end up with unfulfilling work or relationships that don’t work. Let’s go back to the movie…What kind of genre do you wish you were starring in? If you currently see yourself living a drama, but want a comedy, what do you need to do to bring more fun and laughter into your life? Cast in the leading role, it’s your choice. Everyone else is there to support you. See, the thing is to them, you are a supporting character in their life. As the hero or heroine you get to decide how the next scene will play out. Take the bull by the horns and direct your own life. See what happens.I spent years wanting something different. I didn't know exactly what or how to get there, and I was afraid of what people would think. I worried about investing money into a new career. I told myself it was too late, I should stay on my current path, in my established career with my great income. But the calling deep within me wouldn't quiet down. I knew I was not being true to myself. So I took the plunge and became a Life Coach. I couldn't be happier. I have met so many amazing people and created friendships with like-minded souls. “Everybody” might scoff or make fun of me. I no longer care. So what if I fail? At least I will never look back and wonder "what if".When you’re in your final act, will you look back with pride? Would you want to watch again? Don't let your movie go straight to video when you can give an Oscar winning performance. Have no regrets, play out those scenes with gusto. Be bold. Take off your mask and be yourself, it's time.Start today, stop worrying about "everybody" and become the star you were born to be. Live fearlessly and see what happens!If you feel a tug for something more but don't know what or how to get there, I can help. Contact me for a free consultation.